Twenty-two unanswered first-half points were enough for Bracknell on Saturday as they saw off struggling Haywards Heath in National League 3 London & South East.

Jervis Manupenu converted tries from scrum-half Luke Carter and winger Kevin McKenzie, and bullseyed a penalty, while Stuart Mackey also touched down as Bracknell, who were playing without injured club captain Ben Nowak for the first time in five years, threatened a comprehensive victory at Lily Hill.

However, the promise of the first-half didn’t materialise after the break, and a dogged performance from Haywards limited Bracknell to just one second-half try.

It was worth the wait, however, as Guyanese star McKenzie scored a tremendous individual try to take his tally to three for the season.

Alex Meredith also scored a try in reply for Haywards Heath, with Tom Taylor making the conversion.

However, head coach Ken Hopkins insisted that, had Taylor had his kicking boots on in the first half, the scoreline could have been much different.

“It was a comfortable win in the end,” said Hopkins.

“They were searching for their first win and although they haven’t had a great start to the season so far they proved to be worthy opponents on the day.

“There proved to be some very awkward moments for us and if their kicker had been on form it could have been a lot closer in the first half.

“He missed four kicks and two of them seemed pretty straightforward.

“We could have gone in at half time with a much narrower lead at half time.

“We were expected to win and we did, but perhaps did not play as well as we would have liked.

“It certainly wasn’t a five-star performance, but you can only play as well as the opposition allows you and Haywards Heath were quite tenacious.

“Like all coaches, I suppose I’m looking for perfection, and the second half was a bit of an anti-climax as we were hoping to push ahead after leading 22-0.”

Hopkins paid homage to double try scorer McKenzie, who has come onto the first team scene after impressing with the 2nds towards the end of last term.

At 24, McKenzie is just one of a number of young players who are impressing with the new-look side this season.

“Kevin McKenzie’s first was a very good team try and the second a very good individual effort to get the bonus points,” said Hopkins.

“It takes time to settle into a new side, but he’s got a lot of potential and is a lethal finisher.

“He’s done quite well this season and like all players he makes or two mistakes, but he is a match winner and a very dedicated player.

“Youngster Neil Bailey in the second row showed a lot of promise, and there are some talented young players at the club, like Luke (Carter), Leo Bailey, Michael Clarke and Ollie Jordan, so it’s very positive.

“Ian Birch also played on the wing and acquitted himself really well.”